You thought MS vs Sony competition was bad? Check Apple vs Google

[Squilliam]

famousringo said:

arsenicazure said:
Sure what google did is bad. But there are many search engines out there, ok not many.. maybe a few- The same way there are competing apple products out there that you can choose if you dont like their draconian grip. In a lot of ways this isn't a tit-for-tat, its more like a slap in apple's face....

Google services 85% of the world's internet searches. That's a monopoly. If they take a piece of information off their results, that information effectively ceases to exist for 8 out of 10 internet users.

It's true, removing just the images of just the iPad is small potatoes. So now that Google's done it, what information is Google going to decide it wants to keep from 85% percent of internet users tomorrow? Other competitors? Articles that criticize Google's information control and business practices? People who say bad things about Larry Page?

I'm glad that there are alternatives, because for the first time in a decade or so, I'm considering switching my search engine.

My issue with this action is that now they've effectively gotten away with something minor, they are emboldened to take even more drastic actions in the future. "Don't be evil... yet" is how I see their motto now. My issue with them is that they are still seen in a positive light and can therefore take actions to position themselves as the next evil empire unimpeded. Sure Microsoft is evil too, but they are watched so closely they can effectively do little of real harm. Google on the other hand can and will if they continue to get away with these stunts.

I too am transitioning away from using Google as my search product of choice.